Ooooo lavender lotion sounds relaxing & soothing.

So nice you got in to see her twice today.

Remember anything should be wiped off before she handles it.
The virus can stay active on surfaces, even on cardboard.
Things in shops and stores are placed on shelves by people/employees and we don't know if they are free of virus.
Don't fret, just a bit of a wipe down.
This is so great that you can deliver to her whatever she needs, she will not go without! 😀

That is going to be so beautiful, a chandelier in the bathroom.
Great mood lighting for bubble baths. 😀

That is good news about BF's plans.
It's a relief.

WAY TO GO! for making it just in time to make that return! ;D

Watch movies that are light hearted and uplifting.
Movies that make you smile.
Get some good restful sleep on those fresh clean sheets.
(((((HUGS)))))

The wind blew a 4 foot by 4 foot tumbleweed up against the front gate where it tried to get into the yard for hours.
Then the wind shifted direction and that tumbleweed mosied on down the road.
YEA!!! ;D LOL

Tillie I loved hearing about your sunsets. I bet they are magnificent.

Thank you for the long, loving post. I am grateful that mom will be safe. She no longer has an iPad or a computer or a cell phone. She cannot see well enough to use any of those things. But we will figure it out. I take great comfort in knowing that she has an aide. She has plenty of cat food and litter, water, peanut butter and jelly. Only one loaf of bread but if I can find some tomorrow, I'll drop it off for her. Her place is encouraging family members to have two week supplies for their resident. They let me go into her apt twice today, so that was a relief.

Bf says he's not worried at all. He just heard that the university is making the kids leave-originally they were allowed to stay. So if his business drops off significantly, he will change his hours in order to give him a bit of a vacation.

I got to Lord and Taylor just in time! They've reduced their hours and I returned the undergarment.

The chandelier is very small and very pretty. It will hang in my bathroom. So pretty.

Okay I've showered, I have clean sheets, and I'm going to put on some lavender lotion before I figure out what to watch.

Thank you, Tillie, for pulling me together.

Hi Tatoulia 🙂

Does your Mom have a phone where you can chat face to face?
If you could see and hear her I think that would help.

It is a great relief to me that she is being sheltered in place and protected.

ROKU is the most FANTASTIC remedy for anxiety and claustrophobia.
Right now I am watching "Stand By Me" on VUDU.
Next I will watch "Misery".

The wind is raging too hard with blowing dust/dirt and tumbleweeds to go outside.

What room will the chandelier go in?
Fantastic getting it at the deeply reduced price!

That's so sweet of you to make care packages for neighbors. (((hug)))

So sad but also hopeful that BF's work is not too badly impacted.
The whole world is headed into a standstill.
But it's the only way to get a handle on the virus spread.

Hope you have your Xanax and calm down.
Eat comfort foods, I have been.
Wish all those around you would settle down too.
No need for toilet paper hoarding, no need for panic.
Right now we all just have to sit tight and wait as this all plays out.
Take all our precautions, pray and accept it is what it is.

Stop watching the news.
You already know how things are in your own home town.
The news does tend to be overly dramatic to get more views.

GET OUT AND TAKE A WALK.
Breathe the fresh outdoor air.
It is still safe to do that.

Make sure to drink plenty of water, get lots of sleep.
Make sure you get enough vitamins daily since worry tends to deplete them.

Find out if any favorite restaurants are doing takeaway/carryout meals.

Spend lots of quality time snuggled with Miss Kitty.

Turn on some music and sing out loud.
Did you listen to the quarantined people singing from their balconies in Italy?
It is magical to hear. 😀

Look for every silver lining, rejoice in every flower bud and bird.
Enjoy the squirrel antics.
The sunrises and sunsets here have been like a religious experience.
OK, that's because all the dust in the air make them super colorful and majestic.

Remember that all this will pass.
These are trying times but you are strong enough to come through them.
We are all holding you tight Sweetheart.

Love, Tillie (((((HUGS)))))

CM I am so grateful to learn that you made it through the dentist appointment okay! Was thinking about you.

SubC I am eager to hear your thoughts about the laundry sheets! I ended up buying a full year's worth and I'm so glad I did! Awaiting your review!

Tillie thank you for being you. You are so great.

I had yesterday off and slept in a bit, then went to the consignment store to spend my birthday $ and I bought the chandelier I'd been eyeing. I walked around the shop and spent a great deal of time there. My two favorites were working so it was great fun. I was even texting with my artist/designer friend and she was enjoying being a small part of the process! If previously sent to get pictures of the chandelier. I was waiting for the price to go down and even though it wasn't in the final markdown, they gave it to me at that price.

I'm trying not to panic.

I'll go return the under thing at Lord and Taylor.

Yes I'm fine if they quarantine mom but boy will I miss her.

I'm having terrible anxiety. Two panic attacks today. My dr will send me a script to help me.

My house is a mess because my brain is jumbled. I am trying not to panic.

We have mom set with tons of cat litter and cat food and TP and a case of water. They are continually updating the protocols and although starting now there are visiting hours (1-4), we are not allowed to meet in the person's room, only downstairs. I am fine with the protocols on a brain level but emotionally I am very upset.

I am panicking because other people are panicking. So far BD is fine. He will probably change his hours soon unless govt makes him shut down. He's being extremely fair and kind with his neighbors and regular clientele.

Today I made bags of Kleenex and water and soap for some of my elderly neighbors.

I'm trying not to panic but everyone else is.

I hope dr really mails my script for Xanax.

We are on work from home status for the next week. Office is taking if on week-by-week basis.

I was worried BF would lose his business but he's had a good couple of days. I don't know what will happen if he has to shut for weeks on end. I told him I'll sell my place, we will buy a car and travel around.

I'm so anxious. Will put on different shoes and go for a walk.

I mailed the kids their presents today. Puzzles and grow kits and tape measures and other fun stuff. They are our friends' kids and we love them so much. They should have their packages on Monday.

I have stripped my bed but not made it. Will go to the store to return something and walk a bit.

Almost 12 noon here.

The wind is raging now.
Still not a drop of rain.

Have a corned beef cooking and already cooked some sweet potatoes.
Will have to clean the kitchen later.

Steven has just left, don't know where he's going.
Maybe trying the thrift shops???
Hope they are all closed today.
He also grocery shops about 3 or 4 times a week so maybe he'll go there too.

I took a look at his tall stack of canned foods stash just inside the entrance into the garage.
Everything expired many years ago. Plus it is exposed to extreme temperatures, heat and freezing.
But he cannot resist buying things on the "reduced for quick sale" shelves.

Hope you all are having a good day. 🙂

Good Morning Everybody

Hi Subclinical
Looking forward to the laundry sheet review.

As Nate would tell you...
for years I have been saying that what the world needs is the Zombie Apocalypse to straighten people out.
Get them to set their priorities right.
Yes, there will always be those who feel "every man for himself" but now we can actually see these people and know their true character.
But the majority of the people are not that way.
They are getting what they need to survive any quarantine but leaving what they don't need on the store shelves for others.
So many people, businesses and organizations have sacrificed financial gain to simply take care of our most vulnerable by shutting down, closing the doors.

I am hoping people come away from this experience with a better understanding of what they truly need and that it's not what the overhyped consumer based media has been selling them all of their lives.

I am one of those for whom the Internet is already the answer to "social isolation". I am also loving the not touching people thing.

Also, while I understand that social isolation steps will have a negative impact on the economy, I am hopeful. I am hopeful that we will learn to support families and rational self care as we experiment with paid sick leave, distance learning, and work from home arrangements. That we will actually limit ourselves to essential shopping and interactions for a while, saving lives and learning what is truly essential. That all of this economic slow down will actually have a positive environmental impact. And that when this is over we will not go roaring blindly back into madly consuming and wasting resources, but will instead focus on what we as individuals and societies actually need.

I got my new laundry sheets. I'm going to try one on a load of jeans and barn clothes today.

Hi CriticalMass

YES! thank God for the internet to keep us all connected.
I feel that communicating with real people and not getting sucked into all the news will help us greatly at this time.

YEA! for you doing well after the dental surgery and do milk it for all it's worth.
You earned it. 😉

So very sorry the bunny club is going to suffer financially.
All fundraisers too.

The stores are still getting their shipments and restocking the shelves.
So hold out going shopping as long as you can because the hoarding frenzy going on right now will slow down and we will be better able to buy what we need.

There is also online places like "chewy .com"
I ordered some tea from amazon on Tuesday and it arrived on Thursday and I don't have amazon prime fast shipping, just regular USPS.

I think going to church will be good.
So many people staying home right now.
Just no touching each other and wash your hands.
(((HUG)))

Wow, it's getting real around here...

Roommate cancelled her trip to visit family this weekend because the assisted living place, where her mom is, isn't admitting visitors.

Her workplace is also on pins and needles re fundraisers and because they work with the schools. This coming week is Spring Break for the public schools here, probably others as well.

Bunny club fundraising event this month has been canceled because the venue is closed. And we desperately need money. I'm supposed to format a flyer about our upcoming events and email it back, though it may be all or partly obsolete if more things get cancelled. Sigh. But it also has info about our situation and needs, so that is important to disseminate.

Our diocesan Bishop issued a dispensation from attending Mass - it's not cancelled like in the Archdiocese of Seattle (and maybe elsewhere, I don't know). I plan to go on Sunday though; need the peace and uplift, for sure, amidst the madness. The crowd will be thinner, and it'll be safe enough for me.

Public Library here still open.

YMCA still open for exercise so far but organized sports cancelled.

My roommate stopped by the grocery store this eve and said it was a madhouse. I wanted to go to the dollar store, grocery, and Walmart for odds and ends, but will play it by ear. Not in the mood for stress and crowds.

It all feels surreal.

Recovering well in general from yesterday, though a bit tired; there have been interruptions, loose ends stuff needing done, all these breaking news things, and irritation trying to keep the bunny club social media updates current when the Event feature on Facebook was glitching. Finally got it to work but was edging toward a meltdown.

I will have to try and deal with my desire for alone time to get stuff done in the upcoming week... that could prove challenging. Am not above playing the tired from dental surgery card, LOL.

But Thank God for the Internet. Despite the way it may feed our fears, at least we can communicate.

Everybody,
Please try to check in, do a quick drive-by whenever you are able to.

It's alright to talk about anything here.
If you are worried/concerned you can tell us.

This is a very different time than we have ever been through before.
We understand about OCD, PTSD and anxiety issues and are here for you. (((HUG)))

Those are all very good and necessary measures.

Another good measure when indoors with others is to have windows open.
Plenty of fresh moving air in enclosed areas.
Air out rooms every chance you get.

Maintain a 6 foot distance from all other people when out & about if possible.

Avoid public transportation.

My town is basically shut down.
Most all unessential places are dead.
People are self quarantining to avoid becoming infected.

There is a Naval Air Station here.
The pilots who have just flown in from Germany are self quarantining themselves.

The grocery stores will continue to sell food,
pharmacies will continue to sell drugs.
But of course there are shortages on some drugs and the darned toilet paper. ;p

Some Youtube people reporting on latest updates are nicknaming it the "Honey Badger" virus.
Mean, aggressive and just doesn't give up. 😀

Unfortunately Steven NEVER washes his hands.
He takes off often to places unknown and never uses any kind of precautions.
He drags home diseases all the time. Every cold or flu.
He coughs and sneezes without covering his face.

I am constantly washing down the house with bleach and spraying disinfectant.
He is the weak link in all my precautions. :/

Update on the zombie apacolypse.

All of our libraries are closed.

The concert Dh and I had tickets for at the end of the month is cancelled.

My school will have two weeks of spring break (instead of one). We will be paid for the extra week and are expected to use it setting up distance learning for all of our classes. Distance learning will begin the week after spring break and hopefully last only a week.

I may go to the building during break or distance learning.

The class I am taking starting tomorrow is still on, and the studio will remain open, but the instructor will be videotaped and I have the option to watch my classes online, work at home, and simply drop off my items to be fired.

So, my life will change little. I will go to my classroom (needs cleaning and organizing), the studio (for in person classes and to use their equipment), and the grocery store. But I will be separated from my kids. Also I will probably not swim.

My aunt and (post chemo) uncle cancelled their visit to my mom and (heart patient) dad this weekend.

Good Morning Everybody

Hi Subclinical
Oh I so hope that boy's father follows through and does the right thing for his son.

I figured you could use more time with making items for the Spring sale.
Hope you use pottery as a creative outlet during the harder tasks of figuring out how to teach/help children from a distance.

Great to know you have a good and varied stash on hand.
Yes, some fresh ibuprofen would be good to have.
I have some cans of soup and some packages of dry noodle soup too.
My horse neigh-bor now has two tall stacks of hay when before she used to only ever have one.

Clear blue skies this morning. Weather is predicted to change later.
Supposed to be super winds, get frigid cold again and rain.
I'm sure we will get the wind and cold but not so sure about any rain. ;p

I am actually glad about the spring sale. More prep time. And I don't have particularly springy items.

But my classes I am very concerned about. Because they are very hands on and/or discussion based. A chat room style format seems like it would be a good answer to my language arts classes, but they are discussion based because the kids are non writers - many of them have disabilities that keep them from expressing their thoughts in writing at the same level they can achieve verbally. And I type slowly and spell badly.

In my life's continuing theme of joy set in darkness - I got an email from ❤️Daughter last night. My ❤️Gs's school has been failing him, and his father has finally (years too late) agreed to let him attend our program next year. I am holding my breath a little because I don't totally trust that this will happen - the father faked us out once before, but there is so much hope that my heart wants to explode. Supposedly he is dropping off a registration with fees today.

Dh and I are not doing a bunch of prepping stuff. I am (perhaps naively) not worried about feed becoming unavailable, so we have eggs and milk. I have the ability to make bread. Months worth of beans and rice because we always have months worth of beans and rice, a week of fresh veggies and fruit, plus some preserved, and plenty of toilet paper. "Social isolation" is my definition of "vacation." As in "I had a fantastic vacation - I didn't have to get in the car for a week!" He did suggest we pick up some canned soup and maybe ibuprofen that didn't expire in 2012.

I'm glad scooter is learning better mousie management skills.

Hi Subclinical
YEA!!! Baby goats to love on!!!

The Spring sale moved to June...
By then things should be a lot more settled and gatherings should be less risky.

But these rescheduling's, quarantines and banned events could be extended even further.
These are new waters for the world as a whole.

Very glad that so many students can continue their educations via the internet.

Creating distance learning plans would work for the basics but anything like ceramics and classes in labs/workshops will suffer.

That's great your library will still allow you to check out materials.
I suppose most public libraries are or will just close.

Good luck and best wishes with what all you are facing in education. (((HUG)))

Yes, mousie sleeps with the fishes...
But Scooter sometimes now fishes mousie out of the bowl for a rest before he puts him back in again a few hours later.

Hello all!

CM, I am glad everything went well for you.

Tillie, poor wet mousie. I guess the piggy just wasn't goid enough.

Tomorrow I take the baby goats to school to visit whatever children turn up.

My state has closed the public schools for the rest of march. Sil will be teaching through the Internet. Our library will let you check out materials, but is not accepting returns. There will be no fines. My spring show has been rescheduled for June.

My administration sent out an email today saying that they will meet tomorrow (last day before spring break) to decide what steps to take. I have a feeling I will lose a big chunk of my spring break to creating distance learning plans.

I just received an automated phone call from the senior center here.

Due to the vulnerability of so many members they are closing the center for the next two weeks.
They have made some very good plans for the people who depend on the center for their daily hot cooked meal.
They will have curb side pick up and for those who can't drive but rely on the little bus they will deliver to them.

I must say I am very relieved that they are taking this step before there is any emergency, just a precaution. 🙂

Good Late Afternoon/ Early Evening

Vacuumed around without moving everything to vacuum underneath.
Sanitized the bathroom.
Did cat stuff, swept floors.
Fixed and ate an actual meal, not just snacked.

Was wondering why I am just not doing much today, there's plenty to do.
Then remembered that yesterday I worked hours outside, got everything done.

Amazing how a bit of steer manure and a little water can do magic!
Almost immediately things greened up and grew.
😀

Kept going out and admiring things and seeing what new has popped up out of the ground.

Big (((((HUG))))) CriticalMass 😀

Hope you are napping right now.

Badger is standing by ready to jump in and attack.

What a relief this is all behind you now. ;D

Hi all, I'm back home!

Everything went really well. My roommate has the afternoon off. We dropped off the Rx's then she wanted to get me settled so will go back when they are ready.

I cleared the couch for today's napping. Such a relief to have this over. It felt like I wasn't "out" completely this time. Different from previous times - like little fragments of semi awareness yet no discomfort or distress. They were all very caring and professional and reassuring.

I felt numb that side of my face, even earlobes and scalp! Crazy. But it is receding. A little pins and needles in my tongue. Probably a cool pack will feel nice in awhile.

Actually wanting to be more active than probably I should. Could be a tinge of euphoria from the happy juice. But I promise to be good and not overdo. Roommate might call in the Badger if I don't obey.

Iced tea clinks, with no straw, just sips.

Good Morning Everybody

CriticalMass
We are all with you in spirit 😀

Hi Subclinical
HOO HOO 😀

Sorry the firings didn't all turn out gorgeous.
Turning the worst one into a lesson is making some sweet lemonade.

Targeted advertising for me always misses the mark too.

It is for the best if your folks don't fly until the virus threat is over.
Self quarantining, avoiding gatherings and travel seems the best way to go these days.

YEA! for Spring break!!!
Maybe you and your DH could agree to work/be in separate areas to help reduce stress?
I know and understand, I hate when Steven is underfoot and in my way too.
(((HUG)))

Beautiful warm day here today. Clear blue sky with no chance of any rain. 🙁
But tomorrow through Saturday we have a wind advisory.
That means that if I dust today I will just be wasting my time.
Twinkles killed a precious little birdie for no good reason so he is on restriction and grounded until I get over it.
Scooter was a good boy but mousie is still turning up in the water bowl.
Idiot animal. :/
Plan for today is to sanitize the bathroom and vacuum the carpet.

Good morning. I am resting but must get busy soon.

I ordered the tru earth strips and will report back. I am still annoyed that it took me so long to find out about these things. Clearly the online targeted advertising us not working, because I just get ads for crap I don't want.

CM, good luck today! I am thinking of you!

This morning I must get ready for all of my classes the next two days so that everything will flow smoothly. Next week is our spring break. I have a few students who are starting spring break early because of covid 19. There is a family quarantined in the nearby town where my sil teaches. My parents are probably cancelling their trip to visit me in a few weeks because my dad should not be on a plane. Dh is taking next week off. I kind of wish he wouldn't - I don't feel like I can just do whatever I want when he is home. We don't share space well.

Picked up three more things at the studio yesterday. None of them came out the way I wanted. I will probably put one in the spring sale, one is ok, and the third was ruined in the glazing, but I may use it as an example in my class.

The owl who has been hooting at me got quiet, so it must be time to get with my day.

Good Evening

Hi CriticalMass
Working on being as healthy as possible is a wonderful thing.
A good place to start is with the diet and making sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals with the food you eat can be enjoyable.
Learning to make new dishes, simple with fresh unadulterated ingredients.

After you recover from this extraction will be plenty soon enough for you to regroup and start working on all your plans. (((HUG)))

Hi Tatoulia
Should Mom be quarantined it will be for the best.
So upsetting what has been happening in Washington state nursing homes.
Keeping the most vulnerable isolated and in their homes with only the most necessary visitors/helpers coming in is the best way to go.

YEA!!! WAY TO GO!!! new water heater is all in!!! 😀
You worried about the old one for way too long.

Glad your work is working to help keep you all healthy.
This pandemic is something we all must take seriously. 🙁

Today I did a lot of yardwork.
I am all caught up now, everything is ready for Spring out there.
Just ate a bowl of oatmeal with raisins and craisins.
Just now going on 6pm and in a little bit I'll take a shower and get ready for bed.
I am tired and my back hurts. :p

You can be assured I'll be thinking of you Tmr, CM And yes, the infection is disrupting your thoughts.

My new water heater is in and working. I very much liked the company. They wore booties over their shoes and were quiet and hardworking. Very very pleased.

We did it! This has been bothering me since 2017. I worry about it leaking and now we have this done. What a relief.

Our work remains open but I'm not sure for how long. Tillie, so far the virus hasn't infiltrated my mother's place and I pray that it doesn't. I hated to cancel my birthday there Friday night but I truly had no choice.

I have to go in tomorrow. We have our quarterly department meeting. It has been scaled back considerably and no one is traveling to it. They've issued stern travel restrictions. Those of us who work in offices are to go to our home offfice. Those who are mobile workers are to stay put. They also changed the hours and have it down to 2 hours only. My presentation was cut but I don't get nervous about public speaking so it doesn't affect me one way or the other.

Okay I snuck in a little laundry and I did dip out to the grocery store. I bought a few cans of cat food. And a four pack of TP for mom. I'll drop these things off in a bit. I'm having dinner with a friend tonight.

Wish I was accomplishing as much as SubC, especially with tomorrow's deadline looming.

Hope Tillie is onto something about the infection being a drag on my system and maybe getting it gone will clear some brain fog. I'd like that. And being hopefully past the Daylight Savings jet lag by the time I recover.

I'm thinking I need to tighten up overall on my diet a bit and be more faithful to supplements, probiotics, and exercise. The UTI in the fall, another recent "unmentionable" infection, and now the tooth, all tell me my immunity could use some TLC.

Tatoulia, I have water but thanks for thinking about me! 😉 Very sweet of you. Enjoy your hot water when you get it.

It is kind of noticeably eerie here too with the coronavirus concern. Fewer people out and about. The Bishop had issued guidelines for churches like no shaking hands at Mass, etc.

Sitting with my older lady this afternoon, then must hit it hard with preparations for tomorrow. Feeling less fearful now that the focus is on practical tasks. Although given the abovementioned brain fog and the last couple of weeks' organizational fruitbasket upset, I'm sluggish and apathetic and vague, unfocused.

And my clutter is not as tamed as I'd hoped for several weeks now. I am so easily sidetracked. But if things aren't perfect, the tooth will still get taken care of, and life here manageable with workarounds, so... whatever.

It's supposed to be rainy here more often than not according to the 7 day forecast. Would be lovely if when I feel better we have nice sunny days. One can hope.

My surgery time is 12:30 p.m. tomorrow. Will check in asap when back home. Thanks again for all the support.

Thanks for the laundry sheet review. 😀

Yes, you not having running water does effect CriticalMass' water consumption. LOL 😀

It is very smart to have a modest stash of necessities like cat food and TP with things as they are right now.
I didn't need to buy any cat food or TP yesterday because I have "enough" in the pantry already to see us through the next few weeks.
This is not hoarding, it's being prudent in these uncertain times.
But eye opening how some people have taken it to extremes. 😮

Also limiting our contact in certain situations.
Not attending meetings/gatherings if we have a cough or sniffles, washing hands, no hand shakes, hugs or cheek kissing.

Yesterday I noticed too that there were a lot fewer people in the grocery store and I was the only one in the thrift shop.

For the time being I will not be going to the senior center.
Too many frail elderly with obvious health issues and some of them go there for their only hot cooked meal of the day.
The little bus picks them up at their homes and takes them home again.
With me going around town I stand more of a chance of giving them a virus.

The sheets are EarthBreeze and even the scented ones have no scent. They clean very well. That said, they are made in China and had I noticed that, I likely would've bought TruEarth as I believe that they are manufactured in Canada.

I like them very, very much. They clean very well. No issues.

Thank you for the birthday wishes!!

Cm you got this. You are smart to cut back in quilting. You are doing a terrific job and we are standing by your side. Breathe. Normally I'd say drink a lot of water but all my water is turned off here with the installation so I cannot use the bathroom and somehow that affects my advice to you??!!??

I set out hand wipes at the sinks for the workers and me.

Yay SubC. How sweet about your students. You are making a difference in their lives and they are certainly enriching yours.

Tillie it's madness on the hoarding. I refuse. I will say that every time I go to the store, I pick up a few extra cat food cans. I have two little mouths to feed. I was going to buy water but BF got a case for mom and he ordered seltzer for me (my drug of choice).

I am not going to revive my hoarding mentality. I'm going to be smart and just add a can or two of kitty food each day. Will leave slack in the system for others to access these necessities!

I've stopped shaking hands and hugging and honestly, it's a relief. I tap feet.

Office is making some changes too. They haven't pulled the plug on us going into the office yet. But changes nonetheless. Travel, attendance at meetings, etc. we are required to bring home our laptops every night, even the people who normally do not work from home. Just in case there's an announcement.

I noticed on my way home last night how little traffic there was. Not congested. Normally it's hard to cross the street.

I hope the new water heater is delivered soon. Kitty is the more anxious of the two of us. These workers are professional and kind. I can't do any laundry with them here so I probably won't change my sheets today. The water is only off for my apartment. But navigating around my narrow hallway and the workers will just delay things unnecessarily.